The aim of education should be simultaneous and harmonious growth of body and mind, senses and spirit that is important to build an integrated personality, Asiya Hamid Rao, wife of the Indian ambassador in Riyadh, said on Sunday.

“The society must join together to support the noble cause of education especially when it comes to training children with special needs,” she said, speaking at a felicitation and prize distribution ceremony of ‘Ability and Creativity’ event organized by the Riyadh-based International Indian Public School (IIPS).

Rao, who was the chief guest at the function, said: “It is time to educate the society about their responsibility to become more accepting toward these children. We must concentrate on the ability while witnessing such a beautiful, confidence-building and creative event exhibited by the special needs children.”

The IIPS marked the day with the annually held fancy dress competition where the creative presentation by 24 special needs children from the Special Care Center (SCC) and the mainstream students of Kindergarten, was applauded by the community of parents, students, teachers and managing committee members of the school.

Under the aegis of the Indian Embassy, IIPS has been rendering quality education and holistic development to mainstream students since its inception 20 years ago.

It also runs the SCC, providing education and rehabilitation for children with special needs belonging to different nationalities apart from the Indian subcontinent, within the school premises.

For over 15 years, SCC has been engaged in training children with cerebral palsy, autism, dyslexia, speech and language problems and other medical inabilities, and provides guiding support to their parents.

Over 150 students from Nursery, LKG and UKG in their variety of costumes displayed their confidence and enthusiasm with some dressed as Indian politician Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Admi Party and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan who brought his charity brand ‘Being Human’ to the GCC.

Various themes like ‘what came first — chicken or egg?, tech robotics, traffic lights and cartoon characters offered a spectacular display of talent.

Appreciating the students, Rao urged education authorities in the Kingdom to pay attention toward promoting social awareness in recognizing and dealing with children of special needs.

“Through such interactive events and educational workshops, we can develop compassionate interaction for these children within the society,” she said.

IIPS principal, Abdul Azeez, thanked the parents and teachers for their dedicated support for putting up such an encouraging show, especially the SCC children, as also Dr. Sadia Arjumand, the SCC director, for her untiring association marked in the center’s progress.

Imtiyaz Ahmed, the IIPS chairman, welcomed the guests. The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by school students, Muhammad Abdul Moiz and Abdul Muhaimin Shahbaz.

Farah Khan, SCC superviser, said: “It was a real challenge to bring out the creative talents of the children with special needs, depending upon the functional level they represent and incorporating ideas and expressions.”

Certificates and trophies were awarded to all participants of the SCC and position winners from mainstream Kindergarten, as well.

The judges for the event Annie Pervaiz, Azra Yousuf and Renuka Patra, were also felicitated with flower bouquets and beautiful hand-made cards made by the special care children.